Narendra Nauka

The Jain text "Narendra Nauka," authored by Vidyutprabhashreeji and published by Shri Suthari Jain Sangh, is a comprehensive compilation of Jain religious literature, primarily focused on devotional practices and philosophical teachings. The catalog link provided, https://jainqq.org/explore/032082/1, confirms it's a Jain text.

Here's a breakdown of the content based on the provided pages:

Overall Purpose: The book title itself, "Narendra Nauka" (Meaning: Narendra's Boat), and the subtitle "Arhat-gun-varidhi-Narendra-Nauka" (Meaning: The Boat of Narendra, an Ocean of Arhat's Virtues) suggests the text aims to guide the reader, like a boat traversing an ocean, through the virtues of an Arhat (a perfected soul in Jainism), possibly in the context of a figure named Narendra or representing the journey towards perfection. The publisher and author information indicates it's a devotional and educational work within the Jain tradition.

Structure and Content (Based on the detailed index/table of contents from the provided pages):

The book is organized into six major sections, covering a wide spectrum of Jain practices and knowledge:

• Division 1 (વિભાગ ૧લો): Focuses on fundamental devotional practices. This includes:

  • The Namokar Mahamantra (the supreme mantra of Jainism).
  • Dev Darshan Vidhi (the procedure for worshipping deities).
  • Guru Vandana Vidhi (the procedure for worshipping spiritual preceptors).
  • Devotional hymns and verses to be recited in the presence of Jinendra (Tirthankaras).
  • Atmaninda (self-condemnation, a spiritual practice).
  • Davinsika (likely attributed to King Kumarpal).
  • Translation of Ratnakar Pachchisi (a work likely praising the virtues of the 24 Tirthankaras or a collection of 25 verses).

• Division 2 (વિભાગ ૨જો): Consists of Chaityavandans and Stutis (devotional songs and hymns).

  • Chaityavandans composed by ancient acharyas on various subjects (totaling 55).
  • Stutis (Thoy) (totaling 50).

• Division 3 (વિભાગ ૩જો): A vast collection of Stavan (devotional songs).

  • Stavans dedicated to holy places like Shatrunjay and Adinath Dada.
  • Stavans for each of the 24 Tirthankaras.
  • General Jin Stavans.
  • Stavans for Viryaman Bhagwan (currently living Tirthankaras in Mahavideh).
  • Stavans for Siddha Chakra Ji (a significant diagram in Jainism).
  • Stavans related to specific observances and festivals: Gyan Panchami, Panchtirthi, Diwali, Paryushan festival.
  • Chovisi (collections of 24 verses) by prominent saints like Yashovijayji, Anandghanji, Devchandji, and Gunasagarsuri.
  • This section contains a total of 315 Stavans and 100 Chovisis.

• Division 4 (વિભાગ ૪થો): A collection of Sajhjhays (poetic religious verses) by past acharyas.

  • Includes topics like Garva Sajhjhaya (Pride), Shravak Karani Sajhjhaya (Householder's Conduct), Karma Pachchisi Sajhjhaya, Jiva Paantrish (verses on souls), and Kshama Chhatrish (verses on forgiveness). These likely delve into ethical conduct and spiritual disciplines.

• Division 5 (વિભાગ ૫મો): Contains various useful verses and hymns for self-worship and devotion.

  • Stavan of Punyaprakash (Light of Merit).
  • Padmavati Aradhana (worship of Goddess Padmavati).
  • Laghu Alochana (minor confession).
  • Char Sharana (Four Shelters).
  • Gautam Swami's Raas (devotional narrative poem about Gautam Swami, a chief disciple of Mahavir Swami).
  • Navkar Mantra's Chhand (metered verse).
  • Sol Sati's Chhand (verses about 16 virtuous women).
  • Jwar (Fever) Chhand.
  • Trayshathshalaka Purush's Chhand (verses about the 63 great souls).
  • Mahavir Swami's Parana and Halardu (lullaby).
  • A dhall (musical composition) from the marriage of Parshvanath.
  • Bhaktamar Stotra (a highly revered Jain devotional hymn).
  • Laghu Shanti and Brihad Shanti (minor and major peace-granting verses).
  • Gautamashtak (eight verses on Gautam Swami).
  • A Stotra for attaining liberation.
  • Namoh Jinay and other auspicious verses.
  • Duhas (couplets) and Khama Samana (verses of apology/respect) related to Shatrunjay Mahatirtha.
  • Navpadji's Duhas.
  • Vish Sthanak Tapa's Duhas and Virtues.
  • Verses on eight karmas, Navkarvali (a sequence of verses related to Navkar Mantra), and various Tapa (ascetic practices).
  • Duhas and verses for worship.
  • Description of Siddhashila (the abode of liberated souls).
  • Stavans of Ajahara Parshvanath.

• Division 6 (વિભાગ ૬ઠ્ઠો): Contains useful knowledge in simple language.

  • Tapa (ascetic practices).
  • Jnana (knowledge).
  • Eight Madas (types of pride).
  • Eight Siddhis (supernatural powers).
  • Lokottar names of twelve months.
  • Twelve Rashis (zodiac signs).
  • Names of nine planets.
  • Names of fifteen nights.
  • Qualities of virtuous people.
  • Explanation of ten Chandravani.
  • Three types of people.
  • Anger.
  • Jain Shasan (Jainism).
  • Four benefits of suffering.
  • What Abhavi Atma (souls destined not to achieve liberation in this cycle) does not attain.
  • Six Dravyas (fundamental substances in Jainism).
  • The quadrangle of merit and demerit.
  • Twelve Bhavanas (contemplations).
  • Twelve Vratas (vows).
  • Eight Karmas.
  • Fourteen Guṇasthanas (stages of spiritual development).
  • Six Avashyakas (essential daily duties).
  • The nature of Dana (charity) and other virtues.
  • Five reasons.
  • Four types of detachment.
  • 45 Agamas (Jain scriptures).
  • Eleven Pratimas (stages of layman's spiritual progress).
  • Twelve Pratimas of Sadhus (monks).
  • Five Pramadas (faults/negligence).
  • Seven Kathas (stories/talks).
  • Four Anuyogas (categories of Jain scriptures/teaching methods).
  • Twenty-five Bhavanas of Panch Mahavratas (five great vows).
  • Names of six Karkas (grammatical case markers, possibly used metaphorically).
  • Four Bhavanas of Dharma Dhyana (religious contemplation).
  • 18,000 Shilanga Rath (Chariot of Shilaṅga).
  • Eight Drishtis (views/perspectives).
  • Ashtanga Yoga (eight limbs of yoga).
  • Charana Sitarī and Karana Sitarī (likely referring to practices related to conduct).
  • Daily morning and evening contemplation/reflection.
  • Various other small and large topics.

Key Individuals Mentioned: The text prominently features and is dedicated to various revered Jain acharyas and Sadhvis:

• Acharyadevas like Shrimad Aryarakshit, Kalyan, Gautam, Nitigun, Gunasagar, Gunodayasagar, Kalaprabhasagar.
• Sadhvis like Gulabshriji, Shitalshriji, NarendraSHRIji, and Vidyutprabhashreeji (the author).
• The text is particularly dedicated to the spiritual lineage leading to the author, Vidyutprabhashreeji, highlighting the importance of the Guru-disciple tradition.
• Notable lay supporters (Suhkṛtna Sahayogio) are also acknowledged, indicating community involvement in the publication.

Themes and Practices: The book appears to be a repository of devotional literature, encompassing prayers, hymns, verses for worship, and also practical knowledge about Jain rituals, festivals, philosophical concepts, and ethical principles. The extensive collection of Stavans suggests a strong emphasis on devotional singing and chanting as a means of spiritual progress. The inclusion of various disciplines like Tapa, Bhakti, and the detailed explanation of concepts like karmas, guṇasthanas, and vratas indicates a holistic approach to Jain spiritual practice.

Overall Impression: "Narendra Nauka" seems to be a valuable resource for Jains seeking to deepen their understanding and practice of their faith. It's structured to provide a comprehensive guide to various forms of worship and spiritual knowledge, likely intended for private and personal use as mentioned in the footer, and for educational purposes. The fifth edition indicates its popularity and usefulness within the community. The text honors its spiritual lineage and acknowledges the support of its patrons.